My Headache Survival Kit

I spent years searching for answers before I was finally diagnosed with Chiari Malformation.

During that time, I became really good at being prepared.

I never knew when a headache would hit, how long it would last, or what might make it a little more manageable. So before I left the house, I made sure my bag had a few essentials.

None of these things treated what was actually causing my headaches. They were simply the things that helped me get through school, college, church, work, and everyday life while I was still searching for answers.

Here's what was almost always in my bag.

Sunglasses

Bright sunlight was one of the quickest ways to make a headache even worse. I kept sunglasses with me all the time because I never knew when the light would become too much.

Ibuprofen

If you asked me what I reached for the most, it was probably ibuprofen.

Did it completely take the pain away?

Almost never.

Usually it just took the edge off enough that I could keep going.

Icy Hot Patches

This one might sound a little strange.

I used Icy Hot patches all the time, but I didn't leave them whole. I actually cut them into strips around an inch thick so they would fit right at the base of my skull and along the back of my neck, hidden underneath my hair.

Mini Scissors

These weren't in my bag for crafts.

They were there so I could cut my Icy Hot patches into the exact size I needed before sticking them on my neck.

It's funny the things that become normal when you're trying to manage chronic pain.

Instant Ice Packs

Ice was one of the few things that consistently helped.

I always kept instant ice packs nearby because I never knew when I'd need one. If a headache got really bad while I was away from home, I could squeeze the pack, activate it, and get some relief.

Athletic Headbands

I'd activate an instant ice pack, place it on the back of my head or neck, and use an athletic headband to hold it in place so I could still walk around, sit in class, or keep doing whatever I needed to do.

It probably looked a little funny.

But it worked.

Whatever Trial Medication I Was On

It felt like every few months there was another medication to try.

Some helped a little.

Some didn't help at all.

Some came with side effects that made me wonder if they were worth taking.

But every new prescription came with a little bit of hope that maybe this would finally be the one that made a difference.

Cotton Hair Ties

If you've ever had a bad headache, you know how something as simple as wearing your hair up can make everything worse.

I always kept cotten hair ties with me so I could put my hair up or take it down depending on what felt best that day. Sometimes the smallest adjustments made the biggest difference.

Blue Light Glasses

Along with sunglasses, I almost always had a pair of blue light glasses with me.

Between school, college, and spending hours looking at computer screens, I was willing to try anything that might make my headaches a little more manageable. I wore them during classes, while studying, and anytime I knew I'd be looking at a screen for a while.

Electrolyte Powder

This was another thing I kept with me whenever I could.

Staying hydrated was always something people suggested when I had headaches, so I started carrying electrolyte powder to mix into my water. I didn't know if it would make a big difference, but I figured it couldn't hurt to try.

Hope

This one didn't technically fit in my bag.

Every new medication, every doctor's appointment, every little thing I carried with me represented hope. Hope that maybe today would be a little better. Hope that the next doctor would have answers. Hope that one day I wouldn't have to carry all of these things around just to make it through the day.

If you think any of these might be helpful to you send me a message and I will send links to what I can!